Former Bronco Pat Misch living 'surreal' life in major leagues

H. Rumph Jr. | Associated PressSan Francisco Giants' Patrick Misch, right, gets a new ball after Philadelphia Phillies' Chase Utley hit a two-run home run in the first inning of a baseball game May 2 in Philadelphia.

KALAMAZOO -- He was the starting pitcher the day Barry Bonds tied the home-run record and has a career earned run average of 4.38.

But there are two more important things Pat Misch hasn't accomplished yet.

Almost five years after being drafted by San Francisco in the seventh round of the 2003 draft, the former Western Michigan University pitcher is still trying to secure a spot in the Giants' rotation.

In the opportunities he has had to start, he's winless (0-5).

But his spirit has yet to be broken.

"It's a dream come true," Misch said of playing at the professional level. "It's almost surreal when you get (in the pros) and what you're surrounded by day by day."

Misch, scheduled to start tonight against Philadelphia, signed with the Giants in June 2003, following his senior season at WMU.

From there he bounced around in the minor leagues for nearly three years before making his first appearance with the Giants on Sept. 21, 2006 against Milwaukee -- one of his most exciting moments as a pro.

"The day I got to pitch was a year to the day my grandpa died," the 26-year-old said. "It was almost the same time. I was like, 'Is he doing that for me?'"

Another exciting moment in the left-hander's career came on Aug. 4 last year, when Barry Bonds tied the career home-run record.

"It's a huge milestone for (Bonds)," Misch said. "But I'm thinking, 'Wow, did I really pitch that game?' A few days later when (Bonds) broke the record, it was unbelievable. We didn't know if the game was over then or what."

Misch said being in the same clubhouse as Bonds was a little overwhelming at times.
"You're talking about one of the greatest hitters to play the game," Misch said. "Just going out there for batting practice was a display in itself. You can't believe you're in the same clubhouse."

According to Misch, other regular visitors to the clubhouse include legends Willie Mays and Willie McCovey.

Now that Bonds -- the career and single-season home-run record holder who has yet to find a new team after the Giants elected not to re-sign him -- is gone, Misch said there is a younger energy in the air.

"It's more of a live atmosphere," Misch said. "With Barry in the clubhouse, he kind of ran the clubhouse. You didn't want to step on his toes. You were a little careful because we all respected him. Now, we're all having a lot of fun."

But it hasn't been all fun for Misch, who was drafted in 2002 by the Houston Astros but decided to stay for his final season at WMU.

Climbing and descending the ladder between major and minor leagues is something he said he's had to adjust to.

"When (going to and from the major league) starts going through your mind you have to think positive thoughts," Misch said. "I'm playing baseball and it's something I love to do.

"There's a plan for everybody and I just try to leave it at that. If you start thinking about moving up and down (between leagues) you might as well cash it in."

But upon reaching the big stage, he admitted there were times it got overwhelming.

"You can't put too much pressure on yourself or you're going to blow up," Misch said. "You try not to think of it as overwhelming. You don't want to over-think it when you're out there."

With the pressure of performing in front of increasing numbers of fans and media, there's always the uncertainty of how long an assignment with the Giants might last before he's shipped back down to the minors.

"You never want to take a day for granted because you don't know how long it's going to last," he said. "There's been a couple bumps in the road, but other than that I'm healthy and I'm able to do something I've dreamed of."